Accent Lighting

– Light can work like magic. It has the power to transform a room or an object by illuminating it and bringing more attention to it. Whether you want to light up a piece of artwork or an accent wall, it can all be done relatively easily with the use of a lightbulb (or two).

The four basic types of lighting are accent lighting, task lighting, ambient lighting and decorative lighting. Accent lighting is best defined as lighting that allows attention to be drawn to special features. Whether they be architectural details of the home or a piece of artwork, this type of lighting is helpful for setting the mood in a space such as making it brighter and more cheerful or to provide drama and mystery.

Accent lighting typically encompasses directional light sources that are lower in voltage. This type of lighting feature allows control and more specifically is utilized to accent special features whether they be architectural or decorative.

Here are the main types of accent lighting commonly found in (and around) the home:

• Track Lighting: The best thing about track lighting is that it allows you to change the direction of where the light is pointing. Another significant advantage of track lighting is that it is relatively simple to install.

• Lamps: Lamps are a great alternative to hiring an electrician and allows you to create an easy solution to just about any lighting challenge that you face.

• Recessed Lighting: This type of lighting is great because it can be installed just about anywhere and additional match any home décor since it blends in so easily.

• Wall Sconces: Wall sconces come in a variety of designs ranging from modern to traditional all of which can add more light into a room and also a decorative element.

• Floodlights: A great example of floodlight use is the outdoor accent lighting that can be utilized to highlight a path or a garden feature.

Transforming a Space with Light

Lighting can be a terrific way to point out special features in a home and also provide a specific mood. The best rule of thumb for lighting is to put it where you need it. Having a good flow of light from one room to the next is essential for any space.

Accent lighting can also be utilized in many locations throughout the home. One form of accent lighting is called backlighting which is defined as placing the light behind an object to create an illusion of depth. Backlighting is typically done under cabinets, inside alcoves, or underneath steps. Uplighting is also another common form of accent lighting. This involves utilizing light that is directed up towards the ceiling.

A balance should be sought for the blending of ambient lighting with accent lighting. Many professional electricians recommend using separate dimmers or light switches for each type of lighting. This allows for the light sources to not only be controlled, but also to be specific as to what they are accenting. Energy efficient accent lighting can be easily achieved through the use of halogen PAR lamps, low-voltage halogen and halogen lights.

A home’s visual appeal can be greatly accentuated with the use of accent lighting and the majority of homes today fail to utilize many of the possibilities that using accent lighting in the space can present. Accent lighting can greatly enhance the atmosphere of any home whether used indoors or outdoors.

Rick Toney Is A Seasoned Real Estate Professional With Over 25 Years Of Real Estate Experience, Writes A Weekly Real Estate Blog And Is A Principal of Blue Moon Realty Group And Mesa Realty Advisors. Blue Moon Realty Group Is A Residential Redevelopment Company Specializing In The Purchase And Renovation Of Older And Physically Distressed Homes (Flip This House Boston). Mesa Realty Advisors Is An Affordable Housing Developer Specializing In The Redevelopment Of Existing Low-Income Housing Properties. Rick Is A Certified Public Accountant (CPA - Retired) In The State Of California, A Certified Property Manager (CPM - Retired) And A Real Estate Broker In The States Of California (Retired) And Massachusetts.

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Rick Toney

Rick Toney Is A Seasoned Real Estate Professional With Over 25 Years Of Real Estate Experience, Writes A Weekly Real Estate Blog And Is A Principal of Blue Moon Realty Group And Mesa Realty Advisors. Blue Moon Realty Group Is A Residential Redevelopment Company Specializing In The Purchase And Renovation Of Older And Physically Distressed Homes (Flip This House Boston). Mesa Realty Advisors Is An Affordable Housing Developer Specializing In The Redevelopment Of Existing Low-Income Housing Properties. Rick Is A Certified Public Accountant (CPA - Retired) In The State Of California, A Certified Property Manager (CPM - Retired) And A Real Estate Broker In The States Of California (Retired) And Massachusetts.